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2-Year-Old Orange Park Boy Dies In Hot Car

POSTED: Monday, July 12, 2004

A 2-year-old boy was found dead Sunday afternoon inside his family's car parked at their home.

Clay County sheriff's deputies were called to Aba Drive in Orange Park just after 2 p.m. when Zachary Moots' parents discovered the child in their car.

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The parents told investigators they were in the home cleaning. When they went to check on their son and their four other children, Zachary was not with the others and they began to search for him.

The parents' attempts to revive the child were unsuccessful, and paramedics who responded pronounced him dead at the scene.

"A big family; everybody home; normal Sunday afternoon, doing what they would normally do," Clay County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Mary Justino said. "A nightmare, obviously, for this family."

Deputies believe Zachary got in the car and was unable to get out. While an autopsy is pending, it appears that the child's death was caused by heat exposure.

DEADLY HEAT
Family members didn't want to speak about the tragedy, but neighbors' hearts went out to the Moots.

"It bothers you; something, especially this close," neighbor Dave McGuire said.

The Department of Children and Families sent a representative to scene, which is routine, and the case remains under investigation by the sheriff's office.

A sheriff's spokesperson said this tragedy should serve as a reminder to all parents and guardians about the danger by extreme summer heat. In 90-degree weather, the temperature in a vehicle with closed windows can easily exceed 120 degrees.

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